Our Staff

Christine Coady NarayananPresident & CEO

Christine Coady Narayanan, President & CEO. Ms. Narayanan joined OppFund's team in 1989, became its Executive Director in 1997 and in 2004 was appointed President/CEO. She is responsible for implementation of the Strategic Business Plan and all policies and programs of OppFund. Ms. Narayanan has more than 35 years of experience working for and volunteering with nonprofit corporations and the public sector, is a former elected official, and has served on a number of boards and commissions, some currently. She was appointed to the Board of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis as a public interest director in 2008 and continues this service. She holds a B.A. in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University, is a graduate of the National Internship in Community Economic Development and Michigan Municipal League’s Elected Officials Academy and has completed certification through the Indiana University Center of Philanthropy.

Kevin FitzgeraldVice President of Finance & CFO

Kevin Fitzgerald, Vice President of Finance & CFO joined OppFund in 2018 and is responsible for oversight of fiscal and risk management. Accountable for maintenance of all financial records, generation of financial reports and projections, development of annual budget, and oversight of the annual audit and all compliance reporting. Mr. Fitzgerald ensures adherence with risk management policies and procedures, supervises finance staff, monitors loss reserves, oversees asset recovery, and provides support to the Finance-Audit-Risk Management Committee. Mr. Fitzgerald holds a B.A. in accounting and marketing from Muskingum University, and a M.B.A. from Regis University.

Tim StraszVice President of Lending

Tim Strasz, Vice President of Lending. Mr. Strasz joined OppFund in June 2011 and his responsibilities include originating and underwriting loans, and supervision of the loan team. In addition, he oversees the loan portfolio to ensure compliance with approved loan policies and procedures. Mr. Strasz has more than 35 years of experience in community development banking and prior to joining OppFund he worked most recently at Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. In addition, he has served on the boards of many nonprofit organizations and helped to start a loan fund for assistive technology for people with disabilities. Mr. Strasz also served as the President of the Lansing Neighborhood Housing Corporation, a nonprofit organized by eight local banks that made loans and grants for low-to-moderate income housing developers. He holds a B.A. in professional communication from Sienna Heights University.

Mary FoxManager of Accounting

Mary Fox, Manager of Accounting, joined OppFund in April 2014 and is responsible for accounts payable, notes payable accounting and maintaining the loan servicing software. She has more than 20 years of hands-on finance and accounting experience with nonprofits in the development, construction and management of multi-family housing. Mary has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Colorado.

Charles TurnerManager of Homeownership Programs

Charles Turner, Manager of Homeownership Programs. Mr. Turner joined OppFund in April 2014 and his responsibilities include originating Fresh Opportunity Mortgages, providing financing to individuals denied credit by traditional financial institutions and mortgage companies. He has more than 17 years of experience in the mortgage industry originating loans and managing other brokers. A resident of Detroit, Mr. Turner is an advocate of home ownership and small business development. He holds a B.A. from Wayne State University and is a licensed mortgage broker in Michigan and several other states.

Melodie Balzer StaceyExecutive Assistant & Board Liaison

Melodie Balzer Stacey, Executive Assistant & Board Liaison, joined Opportunity Resource Fund in 1999. Ms. Stacey has more than 30 years’ experience in Human Resources and Office Management. Since joining OppFund, she has earned her Expert Certified Administrative Professional (ECAP). Ms. Stacey has been active in Parents Against Drugs, SADD and other organizations. She loves to travel and is married with 2 grown children.

Karen GasperoniDetroit Office Manager & Loan Processor

Karen Gasperoni, Office Manager & Loan Processor, joined OppFund team in May of 2006. She has over 25 years experience in various areas of office administration, including human resources and operations. Most of her career has been spent in the not-for-profit sector allowing her work to be her biggest reward. Karen manages the Detroit office.

Jennifer DennisLoan Underwriter & Analyst

Jennifer Dennis, Loan Underwriter & Analyst, began working with OppFund in February 2013 and joined our team in September 2014. Ms. Dennis likes to travel with her husband and has been to New Zealand, Russia and Hawaii among other places. She enjoys puzzles. Ms. Dennis holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Anne GirvinFinancial Accounting, Assets

Anne Girvin, Financial Accountant, Assets, began working with Oppfund in October 2016 and joined our team in May 2017. She has more than 18 years of state government accounting and auditing experience. Anne earned a B.A.in Accounting from Michigan State University, and is a proud Spartan. She also holds a Certificate in Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration, and is a Certified Professional Medical Auditor. She is an avid supporter of community events, and volunteers with the Capital Area Response Effort (CARE), assisting with crisis intervention and provision of support to domestic violence survivors.

Kaci JacksonLoan Processor

Kaci Jackson is a Mortgage Loan Processor with Opportunity Resource Fund. She is a licensed real estate agent and loan officer with 10 years’ experience in the real estate industry. She holds a B.A. from the University of Michigan and is a full time graduate student at Wayne State University, pursuing a Masters degree in Urban Planning: Housing & Community Development. She has a strong commitment to serving the underserved communities in metro area.

Michele JamesLoan Processor

Michele James, Commercial Loan Processor, joined Opportunity Resource Fund in July, 2016. Ms. James has a BA in General Science from Eastern Michigan University and a MBA from Eastern Michigan University. She currently volunteers for the nonprofit, ACTION of Greater Lansing, which advocates and promotes social justice and equal rights for all U.S. citizens.

Tyler PetersenSmall Business Lender

Tyler Petersen, Small Business Lender, began working for OppFund in January of 2017. Tyler enjoys spending his time working in Michigan communities, helping provide access to capital where it is needed most, our small business community. He lives in Grand Rapids and graduated from GVSU’s Seidman College of Business, where he studied Finance and Marketing. He plays tennis well and golfs poorly.

Josh SmithLoan Servicing Specialist

Josh Smith, Loan Servicing Specialist. Mr. Smith joined OppFund August 2015 and his responsibilities include maintaining escrow accounts, oversight of loan payments and collections. He holds a BBA from Northwood University, majoring in Banking and Financial Management. Mr. Smith is an active member of the Mason community in the youth basketball program for the past 6 years coaching both girls and boys.

Kino SmithSmall Business Lender

Kino Smith, Small Business Lender,joined OppFund in March 2018 . He is a former CFO in the construction industry with over 20 years of experience in finance and consulting. He has a strong passion for economic empowerment. Mr. Smith transitioned from corporate life at the height of the financial collapse (2008) and relocated to Michigan from Alpharetta, GA to serve his hometown of Detroit. He holds a B.A. in accounting and an MBA. He spends his free time enjoying his faith, family, & helping others in need learn to leverage their social capital. He dream is to build affluent faith centered suburban communities for those looking to transition from the norms of urban life. He is excited to about the good work OppFund has done and the promise of what’s to come!